YC1's Passport
 

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Member since:
05 January 2011

Icon_superoo_orangeSuperoo '11

Icon_pictureBeen to 92 Attractions
Icon_star26 Reviews
Icon_star10 First to Review
Icon_camera2100 Photos
Icon_thumbsup12 Helpful Votes
Compliments
About Me & My Family

My family and I are definite road-trippers. Ever since my kids were in diapers, we thought nothing of riding around with our kids all day exploring new locations. Thankfully, as they have gotten older, they have retained their "road tripping" spirit, which is wonderful. I look forward to lots more trips with my family. I love creating memories with them!!
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, structured, relaxed, simple, independent, energetic, spontaneous, easy_going
We Just Got Back From
Smoky Mountains, TN
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
New York and the Smokies
A Place We'd Love To Visit
Rome, Italy
Favorite Vacation Memory
Walking through Central Park while it was snowing and everything was blanketed in white (just beautiful);Roasting marshmallows in our fireplace inside the cute little cabin we stayed in on our Smokey Mountains vacation
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Knock on wood, but I can't think of any at this moment. Hopefully, it'll stay that way.

Budget-friendly Activities for Kids in Southwest Florida

The following places are not only picturesque, relaxing, and excellent for families, but they're great for your wallet too! Next time that you're in Florida and want to get out of the tourist traps, come check out the southwest part of the state. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Lakes42_thumb

7330 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, Florida

Comment:

reviewed on: January 10 2011

"Best park in SW Florida"
This park is so awesome! It truly has it all. Do you want to rent a bike...or even better a family bike for up to 5 or 6 people? You're in the right place. Or maybe you want to ride a miniature train around the park or take a paddle boat along the lake? Perhaps you want to walk, run or roller blade on the numerous trails? Or maybe you just want to get soaked under the water sprinklers? You can do that all in this park,which is why I consider it to be the best park in SW Florida. My kids love coming here, and quite honestly, I truly enjoy it too (when the sun is not melting me, that is).

There are two different playgrounds in the park, one which includes a rock climbing area. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills for barbecues. There is also a food stand where you can grab some hot dogs, cold drinks and ice cream. It's just overall, a beautiful place to spend a day in SW Florida. You won't regret visiting this park.

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2787 North Tamiami Trail
North Fort Myers, Florida

Comment:
Small zoo, gaming room, liquid fireworks, and small cafe. Fun day and relatively inexpensive.


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8700 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Comment:

reviewed on: January 18 2011

"Great for canoeing and kayaking"
This is our most favorite spot to go canoeing. We pack up the kids, the coolers, the sunscreen, etc and set out for the day. The waters are always calm and you get to see some pretty interesting wildlife (plus as far as I know, no gators in the water). Every time we have gone, we always spot at least a few manatees in the water, which is pretty freaky to me! My husband enjoys it, but honestly it freaks me out to know that these huge creatures are right near my canoe. In any case, they are said to be gentle creatures.

Depending on when you go, make sure you bring lots of water for the kids as you can dehydrate very easily spending hours in the hot sun.

The park itself also includes a nice beach, with a cool little tram that takes you from the parking lot to the beach area. There are fishing spots as well and bike trails. The entrance is cheap and the area is so beautiful that it makes it all worth while. To see the most beauty though, you've got to watch a sunset here. Absolutely beautiful!!

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400 Santa Barbara Boulevard
Cape Coral, Florida

Comment:
Wonderful water park for hot Florida days. Fun for the whole family.


Dolph1_thumb

1200 West Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, Florida

Comment:
Inexpensive boat tours of the area. Sunset cruises are available too. Great for a relaxing day. Once your boat comes back to shore, check out the restaurants and shops at Fisherman's Village.


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2000 Cranford Avenue
Fort Myers, Florida

Comment:
Small indoors animal/reptile area, interactive exhibits and beautiful feeding pond and small zoo in the back. Fun for the kids.

reviewed on: January 06 2011

"Great for little kids"
I have taken my kids here for the past few years, but now that they are a little older (10 and 13), the only interesting part for them would probably be the hurricane simulator and the small animal area outside. If you have younger kids, maybe 8 and under, they will enjoy this place a lot more. This museum needs more exhibits and events for kids in the area. There's always so much empty floor space each time I go. Again, nice place to visit for an afternoon, but could be so much better.